Mark Lawson's article on "live repeats" (TV matters, August 16) suggests that "recent scandals" prompted Breakfast to change the way it conducted discussions. It hasn't. Having presented the programme for more than seven years, I can assure you we have never in my time prerecorded a debate to play out later in the programme. It wouldn't work editorially. Hundreds of viewers email, phone and text us after we discuss an issue on air - comments which influence and inform the discussion later on. More than 5 million people watch Breakfast every day, we'd be doing them a disservice if we asked for their views and didn't use them. Also, an interviewee will often give a different answer the second time around, especially those who are not "pundits". The experience of being interviewed live can be intimidating, they usually feel more comfortable about voicing their opinions when they come to do the next interview. Sian WilliamsPresenter, BBC Breakfast

The BBC has only itself to blame in losing access to its radio audience in Russia (Russia forces World Service off FM radio, August 18). International broadcasters have, over recent years, reduced investment in shortwave transmission in favour of FM rebroadcasting with partner stations and on the internet. These may be cheap, but can simply be switched-off by national governments, whereas shortwave can always get through. Jonathan KempsterLondon

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